![2014 NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Upfronts Joan Rivers (R) and daughter Melissa Rivers on May 15, 2014 in New York City.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/490959323.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
In a new People exclusive, daughter Melissa Rivers opens up about her final moments at the bedside of her mother, the late Hollywood comedian Joan Rivers. The 47-year-old had flown from Los Angeles with her son Cooper to hold her 81-year-old mother in her arms at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital.
“I believe she knew I was there,” Rivers told People. “I was grateful to have had those few days to be able to let go a little bit. I tried to make the transition as peaceful and beautiful as she would want it to be.”
See Photos of Celebrities When They Were Kids
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-21.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-20.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-08.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-03.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-02.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-01.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-16.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-05.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-09.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-17.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-06.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-14.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-10.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-15.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-11.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-19.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-18.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-07.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-12.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-04.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/celebrity-kids-13.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race , Endorses Harris to Replace Him
- Why Biden Dropped Out
- The Chaos and Commotion of the RNC in Photos
- Why We All Have a Stake in Twisters’ Success
- 8 Eating Habits That Actually Improve Your Sleep
- Stop Feeling Bad About Sweating
- Welcome to the Noah Lyles Olympics
- Get Our Paris Olympics Newsletter in Your Inbox
Contact us at letters@time.com